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Can I socialize my puppy before all his vaccines are complete?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | neutered | 3 months and 8 days old | 57 lbs

My dog has all his vaccinations except for rabies, but needs to redo his last DAPPV and bortatella at his next visit along with the rabies. Is it ok to socialize him now? Also, how long after the rabies vaccine do I have to wait to be able to take him on walks etc. ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on March 12th, 2017

Yes, you can certainly socialize Marshall - it's important to start this process as early as possible. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) actually recommends starting puppy kindergarten classes and other types of socialization as early as 7-8 weeks, before vaccinations are complete - you can read their position statement on this topic for more information if you like: https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdf It's fine for Marshall to go on walks, and to visit friends with healthy vaccinated adult dogs. You can also enroll him in a good puppy kindergarten class in your area. He will be fully protected from parvo and distemper about 7-10 days after his last booster vaccine, so after that he can go anywhere - until then, you can definitely get him out and about, just avoid areas where large numbers of strange dogs have been such as dog parks, etc. The rabies vaccine is intended to protect him from contracting rabies if he comes into contact with a wild animal, so isn't really relevant for taking him on walks, etc. - he should definitely get it when the time comes, but you can go right ahead and take him for walks, to classes, etc. in the meantime :)

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 14th, 2019

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Perdita. I suspect that her veterinarian will require a final set of boosters after your appointment on the 24th. This is based on her birthdate of 5/26/19. The last booster needs to be given after 16 weeks of age. I do recommend starting to socialize her now. A puppy is most impressionable between 8-14 weeks of age. You need to be careful though as she is not fully vaccinated. Short walks away from areas with other dogs are usually fine. Puppy classes are great as well. Be sure they require proof of vaccines though. Do not take her to dog parks, hiking trails or common areas for dogs such as in an apartment complex. I hope this information helps!

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